Wreath Week is one of my favorite holiday traditions with the Garden Club of the Back Bay. Every December, volunteers gather to create beautiful holiday wreaths. The club then sells the wreaths during its annual Holiday Wreath Sale.
The sale supports an important cause. Proceeds help fund more than $30,000 in annual tree care throughout the Back Bay. I love knowing that these beautiful wreaths also support Boston’s historic neighborhood.
Preparing for Wreath Week
I prepare for this special week throughout the year. During the growing season, I plant flowers that dry beautifully. I cut and preserve many of these flowers for future wreaths.
Drying flowers takes patience and planning. I hang many of the flowers to dry naturally. This process preserves their color, texture, and shape.
Starting in October, I begin preparing the floral elements. I combine flowers from my garden with flowers I purchase.
These dried flowers become the foundation for many of my wreath decorations. I create small floral groupings that volunteers can add to each wreath.
Adding Natural Elements
Flowers are only one part of my wreath designs. I also collect and create other natural elements throughout the year.
These include pine cones, dried fruit, nuts, cinnamon sticks, feathers, and moss. I also use small bird nests to add texture and interest.
For the nests, I add my own finishing touches. Moss and feathers give each one a more natural appearance.
These small details make each wreath unique. They also create the layered, natural look that I love.
Creating a Holiday Wreath
I also create a wreath for my own home each year. This gives me an opportunity to experiment with new ideas. I enjoy combining dried flowers with natural holiday materials. Pine cones and dried fruit add texture and seasonal color.
Ribbon also plays an important role in the finished design. A beautiful bow can completely change the look of a wreath. Plaid ribbon creates a traditional holiday feeling. Other ribbon styles can give the wreath a more elegant appearance.
Here are some wreaths I created last year for the Holiday Wreath Sale.
A Tradition Built by Volunteers
The Garden Club of the Back Bay depends on dedicated volunteers during Wreath Week. Members work together to handcraft every holiday wreath. Each wreath becomes a unique creation. Customers can select their preferred wreath size and ribbon style.
They can also choose a decorative theme for their wreath. This creates a personalized design for every home. I love seeing the different combinations come together. No two wreaths look exactly alike.
Supporting the Back Bay
The Holiday Wreath Sale does more than celebrate the holiday season. Every purchase helps support the Back Bay community. The club uses the proceeds to care for trees and community gardens throughout the neighborhood. This work helps maintain the beauty of Boston’s historic Back Bay.
That mission makes Wreath Week especially meaningful to me. We create beautiful wreaths while supporting the neighborhood we love.
Looking Forward to Wreath Week
Every year, I look forward to this busy and creative week. It brings together flowers, natural materials, creativity, and community. I spend months preparing the materials. Then, everything comes together during Wreath Week.
Seeing the finished wreaths always makes the hard work worthwhile. Each design reflects the creativity of the volunteers who make it.
I hope these photos give you a glimpse into the process. They show just how many natural materials can come together to create a beautiful holiday wreath. Most importantly, I love knowing that these wreaths support the Garden Club of the Back Bay. They help fund important tree care throughout this beautiful Boston neighborhood.
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